What is a VAC?

What is a VAC (Vacuum Assisted Closure) machine?

This therapy improves healing by:

Stimulating new tissue and skin to grow

Pulling off germs from the wound

Pulling off excess fluid from the wound

VAC therapy is a system that uses controlled negative pressure (mild suction) to help heal a wound. Patients using the VAC at Penrose St. Francis Health Services have had their wounds healed very quickly. The VAC machine is so small that it can be worn as a fanny pack or carried like a briefcase or purse.

The VAC machine has four parts:

Computer controlled unit

Canister that connects to the unit to collect fluid

Tubing that connects the unit to the dressing

Foam that connects to the tubing.

Dressing changes - are done three times a week on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.